Author's note: Hello everybody. Again another chapter, which again took more time than anticipated. I guess I'll never learn. While finishing up this chapter I suddenly realised I don't have many more to go :). Hope you'll all still stick with me till the end. And as always, please review! Thanks!

Chapter 19

Lion Hearts

He stood on the porch of his small wooden cottage, swirling around the last bit of Firewhisky in his glass. His eyes moved from the amber liquid to the beautiful night's sky. He loved watching the stars on a clear evening like tonight. He savoured the smell of the pine trees surrounding him. There was nothing else in the world that could calm him more at the end of a rough day.

The dragons had been extremely restless that day. Two of his colleagues had been wounded while tending to the youngest Norwegian Ridgeback; a fierce breed even on a good day. Charlie had finally stepped in, using his natural gift with animals to calm the young dragon.

Usually, it was easy for him to put his stressful days behind him, as soon as he sat on his porch and looked at the spectacular nature surrounding him. Today, however, was different. If anything, his restless feeling had only grown stronger since he got home. Even two glasses of Firewhisky, hadn't been able to calm him down.

Charlie walked inside the cottage, overlooking the small kitchen area and the cosy sitting room. Colourful rugs and blankets, made by his mother, reminded him of the warmth of the Burrow. He walked across the room and sat down on the couch, picking up a letter from the coffee table before leaning back.

He'd thought of putting it away a hundred times in the past weeks, but every time he'd put it back on the coffee table where he could look at it whenever he wanted to. He'd been well aware of the distance between them, talking it over with Bill at least ten times before he even decided to reveal his feelings to her. He knew exactly how difficult it would be to be separated from her for months, when he'd asked her to be his that night at the Burrow….or so he thought.

He'd known it ever since that summer at the Burrow. There'd been something about her that enchanted him. It hadn't taken effect like a spell, but the more he'd seen of her the stronger her enchantment grew. The feeling she gave him was new and unfamiliar, but also warm and intriguing; something he definitely wanted more of. It had lingered in his heart for months and he'd never regretted acting on it. Not even on a night like tonight, when he missed her so much it almost ached.

He looked up as he heard an unexpected knock on the door; living in the middle of the forest meant that he did not get much visitors. He got to his feet and walked to the door, picking up his wand from a blue cabinet just to be safe.

He stopped dead as he noticed the dark purple hair, through the small window in the front door. There was something about the look in Tonk's bloodshot eyes that froze his heart. He hurried to the door and pulled it open with force.

'Judy?!' he asked urgently.

Tonks looked at him for a moment, searching for words. 'She needs you Charlie. She's had a vision, but when she tried to come back…'

'Merlin's beard, she's not,-'

'She's alive,' said Tonks quickly. 'But only just. The Healers tried every spell they could think of, but they can't bring her back.'

'Bring her back?' He asked confused.

'She's lost, Charlie. Caught between her vision and reality.' She paused. 'She seems to be fast asleep…I think Muggles call it a coma.'

'But I don't understand. What can I do?'

'Did she write you what your last letter did to her, when she was in the hospital wing at Hogwarts?' Charlie nodded. 'Well, I don't know how it works. But that letter helped her recover faster. And I was thinking, may be…you HAVE to come with me.' She pressed.

Charlie didn't think as he stepped onto the porch, grabbed her hand and closed the door with his other hand. 'Where's the Portkey?'

Darkness. There was nothing around her now but darkness. Judy didn't know if it had been hours, days or even weeks since she told Tonks she was ready for her vision. She'd known in her heart that she lied straight to her cousin's face. And even though she hated herself for it, she knew she wouldn't have done anything differently.

She'd Seen what she wanted to See. Her vision proved her father's innocence. Sirius Black had not betrayed his friends. He was not a murderer. Finally she found the prove she needed…and nobody would ever know about it.

Judy crossed her arms for the umpteenth time, trying to calm her heart from racing. Having been afraid of the dark since childhood, she couldn't think of a more terrifying situation. Hovering in utter darkness, with not a single glimpse of light. Goosebumps covered her arms as she felt the cold around her and within. She'd tried to close her eyes and fall asleep to escape from her surroundings, only to realise that she was already caught in a dream that wouldn't end.

'What am I supposed to do?'

Judy startled as she heard the male voice, cutting through the silence. It was the first and only sound she'd heard since the darkness caught her.

She still had her arms crossed, but to her surprise the skin on her arms changed. The goose bumps faded and her skin felt soft once again.

And then it started…without warning…she felt it…and realising what it meant…she smiled.

A warm spark ignited in her heart and slowly, but surely grew as it enflamed her soul. Her fingers tingled, the same way they'd done in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. She knew what was happening, as she allowed the warmth to wash over her. She wasn't lost, she thought, as hope once again grew in her heart.

Judy felt his touch as soon as her eyes fluttered. Her parched lips curled up in a smile before she was able to focus her eyes on the red haired man beside her bed. Charlie looked at her with the same worried eyes she'd seen at the Burrow. Judy's smile grew as she saw his ruffled hair.

'Did she drag you out of bed?' she asked hoarsely.

'Nothing affects your sense of humour, does it?' Charlie asked affectionately.

Judy smiled as she turned her eyes to her cousin. She took Tonks' hand and squeezed it gently. 'I'm sorry I put you through this. I wasn't sure that it would work. I hoped it would,' she added truthfully. 'But I had to know, Dora. I had to See.'

'And did you?' asked Tonks gently.

Judy nodded, remembering everything she saw as clear as crystal. 'I did. He's innocent, Dora. He wasn't their Secret Keeper. He told them he couldn't do it, he wouldn't risk my life.'

'I'm sorry, but what's this about?' asked Charlie confused.

'You didn't tell him?' asked Judy, still looking at her cousin.

'I thought he should hear it from you,' said Tonks honestly as she got to her feet. 'I'll wait outside. I'll see you when you're ready,' she looked at Charlie, before casting the Disillusionment charm on herself.

Judy cast her eyes to Charlie as an invisible Tonks closed the door. 'I'm really sorry you have to see me like this. But I'm really glad you came,' she said, as she caressed his cheek. 'What did Tonks tell you?'

'That you had a vision and that it went terribly wrong,' he said, squeezing Judy's cold hand. 'She said they tried every spell on you and nothing worked…I thought you…'

'I didn't,' said Judy quickly. 'I'm still here.'

'Judy…did you do this?' he asked confused. 'Did you summon it? Knowing what it did to you last time?' Judy nodded. 'Is that…?' he paused as he loosened his hold on her hand. 'Is that why you needed my picture? Did you think it would bring you back?'

'Charlie, I'm sorry. I never meant to lie to you, but if I had told you the truth you never would have,-'

'- let you kill yourself?' he asked, now drawing back his hands. 'Merlin's beard, Jude. What…why? Why would you do this to yourself?'

Judy leaned back against the headboard, eyeing him carefully. She knew there was only one way to handle this. 'For my father.'

'Your father?' Charlie asked confused. 'You said he left your mother before you were born.'

'I know. I lied,' she said truthfully. 'I'm sorry, it's a story Remus and I agreed on. I've had to tell that story all my life. For my own protection, but now also for his.'

'Protection from what?'

'The Ministry of Magic,' said Judy, rubbing her cold hands together as a shiver ran down her spine.

'The Ministry?' asked Charlie, still confused.

'Byrne is not my real name. It was my mother's name. My parents decided to give me my mother's name, because they didn't want the Death Eaters to know who my father was. If they did, they would have kidnapped me and used me against him.' Judy explained.

'But you just said the Ministry is after him? Charlie said.

'When I was four years old, someone betrayed my father's best friends. My father was falsely accused and thrown into Azkaban,' said Judy, emotion colouring her voice. 'Remus kept my identity a secret, because he was afraid what other wizards and witches would do if they found out my father had a daughter.' She paused as she saw his confused expression. 'He escaped from Azkaban last year, Charlie. And every Auror and Dementor has been looking for him since.'

'You don't mean…it can't be Black? Sirius Black is your father?!' said Charlie, taken aback.

'He is,' said Judy, unable to hide a smile.

'But he's, he's a mur,-'

'No, no he isn't,' said Judy quickly. 'You see, I summoned this vision to prove his innocence. Everybody believes he was the Potter's Secret Keeper. But I Saw he wasn't. He wouldn't take the job, because he was too afraid to risk my safety. He didn't know where they were hiding, he could never have betrayed them.'

'How can you be sure?'

'Because my visions have all been right so far,' said Judy calmly. 'I'm really sorry I put you through this, but I'm not sorry about summoning this vision. I had to know, Charlie. And I have to help him.'

'Help him? How?' he asked, clearly worried. 'He's supposed to get the Dementor's kiss. You can't save him, Jude.'

'I can if I can get the right people to help me.' Charlie looked at her for a moment. 'I have to tell Dumbledore.'

'Dumbledore can do a lot of things, but he can't counter Fudge's decision,' said Charlie, thinking.

Judy smiled. 'You believe me, don't you?'

'Of course I do,' he said quickly. 'But I don't like what you did. I understand why you did it, but I hate that you lied to me.'

'Me too,' said Judy warmly, as she took his hand in hers.

'Jude, this is only going to work if we're completely honest with each other,' said Charlie, running his fingers through his ruffled hair. 'I don't care about the distance or how little I can see you or talk to you. But I only want to go through with this if you promise…no, swear to me you'll never lie to me again. No matter what.'

'Charlie,-'

'I'm just asking you to give me a choice. No matter what you do, I need to have a choice to support you or not,' said Charlie. 'I deserve that.'

'You do,' she agreed, as she stifled a sob. 'You all do,' she said, thinking about her friends. ' I'm sorry…I swear I'll never lie to you again.'

'Thank you,' he said, cupping her cheek as he leaned in. Judy put her arms around his neck as he kissed her.

'Ahum,' the door stood ajar as Tonks' voice made them startle. 'We should go, Charlie.'

'Yes, I'm coming,' he said to the invisible origin of the voice. He turned his eyes back to Judy.

'Don't go.' She whispered, squeezing his hand. 'I've been wandering in darkness for days…don't leave me alone.'

'We have to go, Jude,' said Tonks urgently. 'We can't risk Remus or Charlie's family finding out about you two. If you need each other again in the future…'

'She needs me now,' Charlie cut across her.

'Charlie, you can't risk,-'

'I don't care, Tonks.' Charlie moved to the bed and sat down beside Judy, taking her in his arms as she laid her head on his chest. She closed her eyes as she listened to his heartbeat.

'You two…' she paused as she observed them for a moment. 'Fine, I'll be right outside the door. But we have to leave as soon she's asleep,' she looked at Charlie, reproachfully.

'Thank you, Dora,' Judy cast her cousin a smile.

Charlie kissed her raven black hair as Tonks closed the door. 'I'm sorry I asked you to add us to your list of secrets,' he said suddenly.

'It's not like we had a choice,' said Judy truthfully. 'They wouldn't understand, you know they wouldn't.'

'They would only try to protect you,' said Charlie gently.

'From you?' she asked amused. 'You do realise you saved my life tonight?'

'Not just yours,' he said, before kissing the back of her head and tightening his hold on her. 'Try to sleep, love.' Judy smiled as she felt his warmness. She welcomed the sleep washing over her as her head slowly rose and fell on her boyfriend's chest.

Judy woke the next morning in a sun lit room. She moaned as she sat up and startled as she heard a loud bang. The nurse at the end of her bed looked at her with widened eyes. Judy didn't have a chance to speak as the young witch turned on her heel and left the room, calling for the Healer.

Within seconds a red haired witch, Judy knew all too well, rushed into the room.

'You're…you're awake,' said Jessica Waters, flabbergasted.

'I am,' said Judy with a smile. 'It's good to see you, Mrs. Waters.'

'You too, Judy. But I don't…I don't understand how?' she walked over to the young dark haired witch and laid her hand on her forehead. 'Your fever is down, and you've got some colour back on your cheeks. You must be starving.'

'I am,' said Judy as her stomach churned. 'And I'm very thirsty too.'

'I'll ask the nurse to bring you something to eat and drink,' said Mrs. Waters with a smile. 'I've already asked her to send for your family. I think they've just gone up for some tea. '

'Is Remus here?' asked Judy hopefully.

'He only leaves you when we tell him he has to sleep,' said Mrs. Waters warmly.

She sharply turned around as the door flew open. Lupin stood in the doorway, panting. His eyes quickly found Judy's. He looked tired, Judy thought, more tired than she'd ever seen him before. His complexion was pale and grey and the circles beneath his eyes weren't far from pitch black. His tired eyes were bloodshot, but as he looked at Judy she saw the warmth returning to his irises.

'Hi,' Judy said hoarsely as he walked up to her, as if wandering in a dream.

'You're awake(!)' Andromeda said as she walked to the bed. 'My dear girl,' she said warmly, stroking Judy's dark hair. 'We were so worried about you.' She looked over her shoulder. 'Nymphadora, look!'

'Hey Jude,' Tonks exchanged a smile with her.

'Sweetheart,' Lupin leaned in and kissed her forehead. Judy quickly threw her arms around him and hugged him.

'I'm sorry, Remus,' she said truthfully. 'I'm sorry I put you all through this.'

'You're back,' Lupin whispered. 'That's all that matters.'

Judy pulled back. 'No, it isn't. I lied to you. All of you,' she said, meeting Tonk's and Adromeda's eyes as well. 'Even my friends,' she met Mrs. Waters eyes, knowing she understood who she was referring too.

'I'll leave you for now,' said Mrs. Waters. 'I'll be back this afternoon to do some tests, if that's all right Judy.' The younger witched nodded and looked after her as she closed the door. She leaned over to her night stand, took her wand and cast a Muffliato spell at the door.

'Jude, what,-'

'I owe you the truth,' she explained.

'You should rest,' said Andromeda as she sat down beside her. 'Whatever you have to say,-'

'It can't wait,' she said quickly, as if she could slip back into the darkness in an instant. 'I need to tell you this exactly how I Saw it.'

'Sweetheart,' said Remus as he caressed her hair. 'You shouldn't strain yourself.'

'Tell them, Jude,' said Tonks suddenly, making Remus and Andromeda look at her simultaneously.

'Nymphadora!'

'She risked her life to have this vision, Mum,' Tonks replied. 'No matter what she did wrong, we owe this to her.'

'Thank you, Dora,' said Judy honestly.

'All right,' said Lupin in defeat. 'But I'm ending this as soon as I think it's too much for you.' Judy smiled at him.

'Did you tell them why I did it?' Tonks nodded. 'Good. Well, then I guess all there's left to say is that he's innocent. Sirius is innocent. He wasn't their Secret Keeper. Lily and James asked him, but he turned them down. He said he couldn't risk my life.'

'Your life?' asked Lupin confused.

'He was afraid Voldemort would find out and that he would hunt him down and then find me,' Judy explained. 'He felt he failed my mother the night she was killed. He wanted to save me, to protect me. '

'Sweetheart, are you sure it was a vision,-'

'I didn't imagine it,' she said quickly. 'It was the vision I asked for. I only slipped into the darkness when I tried to come back.' Her heart sank as she saw the look in Lupin's eyes. 'It was as clear as crystal. It happened, Remus. I didn't imagine it. It really happened.'

'All right,' he said, taking her hand in his. 'Let's suppose it did…it doesn't matter, Jude. Sirius is still on the run and the Dementors are still after him.'

'But I Saw it, Remus,' she pleaded. 'I swear, I'm not lying. He is innocent. He never knew where James and Lily were hiding. He never betrayed them.'

'I don't understand,' said Andromeda suddenly. 'Sirius was the Potters' best friend. If he wasn't their Secret Keeper, then who,-'

'Peter Pettigrew.'

'Wormtail?' asked Lupin in disbelief. 'Why would they ask him? I mean,-' he paused, doubting his next words.

'Lily wanted to ask you,' said Judy, reading his mind. 'But James thought you had enough to deal with, with your transformations and…and everything else.' She squeezed his hand. 'The last vision I had at Hogwarts, the one that put me in the hospital wing, was about my mother and Lily. My mother visited Lily, when she should have been in hiding, only to tell her one thing.' Judy looked into her uncle's eyes as she remembered. 'She said that whenever they found their lives depending on magic, that they should trust Sirius. Only Sirius.'

'But they didn't,' said Andromeda confused.

'Yes, they did,' said Judy with a sad smile. 'Sirius asked them not to make him Secret Keeper. And he suggested to ask Peter and not Remus.'

'So they trusted him,' said Tonks. 'They asked Pettigrew.'

'But Briana said….' Lupin fell silent for a moment. 'Briana said they should trust Sirius. And they did, and now they're…'

'May be she meant they had to ask Sirius himself, to only trust him as Secret Keeper,' said Andromeda. 'May be they interpreted it wrong.'

'May be,' said Judy, feeling as confused as her aunt and uncle.

'Or may be she knew,' said Tonks, thinking. 'May be it was the only way for Harry to survive.' They all fell silent for a moment.

'Sacrifice is inherent to war…' whispered Lupin, as he brushed away a dark strand of Judy's hair. He cast her a sad smile as he cupped her cheek, knowing she understood his words. 'Your mother died for you.'

'She knew Lily would do the same for Harry,' said Judy, wiping away a tear from her cheek.

Lupin looked at her with watery eyes. 'I wonder,' he said, caressing her hand. 'If she ever knew you would do the same for your father as well.'

'You believe me, don't you?' asked Judy hopefully.

'I want to, sweetheart,' he said calmly. 'Believe me, I do. But a vision from a 16-year old girl, who has never shown such magic before, will never convince the Ministry.'

'Especially if they find out you're his daughter,' said Tonks seriously. 'The only thing on their mind will be to keep you there for questioning.'

'You're right, they won't believe me,' said Judy, ready to reveal the next part of her plan. 'But Dumbledore will.'

'Dumbledore,' Lupin sighed. 'Yes, I suppose he will believe you. But Fudge will never,-'

'I don't have to convince Fudge. I only have to convince Dumbledore,' said Judy.

'And then what?' asked Tonks.

'Then he'll do the rest,' she said, convinced. 'Dumbledore will find a way, he always does.'

'There are limits to Dumbledore's charm,' said Andromeda seriously. 'And his magic.'

'But not his wits,' said Tonks with a smile. Judy smiled too, but her smile soon turned into a yawn as her fatigue finally caught up with her.

'You should rest, sweetheart,' said Lupin as he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

'But…'

'You've had your say,' he replied. 'Now you need to rest and replenish your strength. You'll be no good to your father if you don't recover from this.'

'Will you go with me, Remus?' asked Judy sleepily.

'Of course I will,' he said with a warm smile. 'But only if you promise to wait until you're all better and out of St. Mungo's.'

'I promise,' said Judy, yawning again. Lupin caressed her cheek one more time as Andromeda leaned over and kissed her forehead.

'Sleep, my dear,' she said warmly. 'We'll be back when you wake.'

'I'll stay until you fall asleep,' said Tonks, reading Judy's mind.

Judy watched Lupin as he cast a glance at Tonks; seeing with a painful sting in her heart that something had changed between them.

'We'll see you later, sweetheart,' said Lupin as he followed Andromeda out of the room. Judy waited for the door to close before she spoke.

'It's because of me, isn't it?'

'What do you mean?' asked Tonks confused as she sat down beside her.

'He's angry with you because of me,' she explained.

Tonks smiled, though her hair colour turned a darker shade of purple. 'He's angry with me , because I chose to help you. That wasn't your choice, it was mine. So no, he's not angry with me because of you.'

'He won't stay angry with you,' said Judy reassuringly. 'He can't. I know he lov…likes you,' she said truthfully.

'You need to focus on yourself now,' said Tonks with a smile. 'Now, close your eyes and go to sleep. Or Remus will never forgive me…' Judy closed her eyes, but quickly opened them again.

'How's Duncan?' she asked, feeling guilty that she hadn't thought of him before.

'Still his old self,' said Tonks reassuringly. 'My parents are looking after him, until you're ready to go back to school.'

'Good,' Judy smiled. She took Tonks' hand before closing her eyes and settling on the soft mattress. She knew her cousin would understand that she didn't want to face the darkness alone.

'I'm here, Jude,' said Tonks softly as she drifted off to sleep.

Two weeks later, Judy sat in a dead quiet hospital room, staring at the hospital bed with her packed trunk on top of it. She'd spent most of her time sleeping, knowing it was the best way to recover, but also using it to avoid any thoughts about her upcoming conversation with the Headmaster. Though she'd been convinced that Dumbledore would help her, Lupin's and Andromeda's words had settled in and caused serious doubts in her heart.

'He has to believe me,' Judy whispered, as she hugged herself. After everything she'd been through, everything she put her friends through, everything she put her family through…she couldn't…she refused to believe she'd risked her life for possibly nothing.

'I see you are packed and ready to leave,' a warm female voice spoke. Judy looked up and met the Healer's warm eyes. 'I still can't believe how fast you've recovered.' Judy smiled as she took the red coral, dangling from a silver necklace, in her hand.

'I can't either.'

'It's a miracle, Jude,' said Mrs. Waters as she sat down on the bed. 'Please remember that,' she impressed. 'And promise me you will never summon a vision again, if you know you can't control it.'

'I promise,' said Judy truthfully. 'I won't summon one and I won't fight it, if it happens by itself.'

'Good,' Mrs. Waters smiled as she got to her feet. 'Then I can let you leave this hospital, knowing I will never have to see you like this again.' She walked over to the younger witch and knelt in front of her. 'You must have had a rough year,' she said, gently brushing away a black hair from her face. 'But facing this alone is not an option, Jude. You need your family and you need your friends.' She said, brushing away a tear from Judy's cheek. 'I don't know who saved your life, but it must have been someone that cares for your very deeply.' Judy looked back at her, surprised. 'Love has a far greater power than any kind of magic.'

'Have you told Willow about this?' asked Judy carefully. Mrs. Waters nodded. 'She hates me, she'll never forgive,-'

'You betrayed her trust, sweetheart. You betrayed it by keeping this from her. But that doesn't mean you can't earn it back,' she smiled at the younger witch. 'You two have been inseparable for more than five years. Your bond isn't easily broken, especially not if you choose to fight for it.' They both looked up at the knock on the door.

'Hello,' Lupin hesitated for a moment.

'Come in, Remus,' said Mrs. Waters as she got to her feet. 'We've said our goodbyes.'

'Are you sure she's strong enough?' asked Lupin, worried. 'I mean, if she needs to stay for another week or so…'

'She's fully recovered,' said Mrs. Waters reassuringly. 'Besides, she'll feel a lot better when she's back at school than if she stays cooped up in here.'

'Yes, I suppose she will,' Lupin agreed. 'Thank you for everything, Jessica.'

'You're welcome,' she smiled at him, before walking out of the room.

'So,' said Lupin, walking over to Judy. She smiled as she noticed the colour had returned to his face. 'All ready to go?' She only nodded. 'Good. I already took Duncan to the castle this morning.'

'How?' asked Judy sternly.

'We Flooed there,' said Lupin.

'You know he hates that, Remus,' she said reproachfully.

'I figured he would hate it more if I packaged him and sent him by owl…' said Lupin amused.

Judy smiled. 'And I suppose there's only one way for us to travel?'

'Professor Dumbledore has lifted some of the protective charms, so we can Apparate immediately to his office. He looked at the clock on the wall. 'We should go.'

Judy nodded as she got to her feet. She took Lupin's hand and grabbed the handle of her trunk with the other. Lupin gave her a gentle squeeze, before she felt a hook at her navel pulling her back into a world of confusion. Judy closed her eyes, holding on tightly to Lupin and her trunk.

She gasped for air as she suddenly felt solid ground beneath her feet. As she opened her eyes she saw they'd Apparated in front of Dumbledore's office door. Lupin took the brass knocker in his hands as Judy shoved her trunk against a wall.

'Come in,' Dumbledore's voice came quickly after the first knock.

Lupin opened the door and Judy followed him inside the office. It looked exactly the same as on her previous visits; ….. except for one thing.

'How kind of you to grace us with your presence…' Judy turned sharply at the sound of the sinister voice. Snape looked at her with eyes filled of disdain. 'I see you've recovered from your so called vision….Ms. Black.'

'Her name is Byrne, Severus,' said Lupin tensely as he blocked Judy from his view. She quickly took his hand to make sure he couldn't lunge at Snape, should he have more snide remarks. She knew her Potions Professor well enough, to know he wouldn't leave it at this.

'Did she not summon her vision to prove Black's innocence?' asked Snape confused. 'Sirius Black? Voldemort's most loyal servant and a proven mass murderer? Who else but his daughter would be blind enough with love to believe in his innocence?' He said, his voice coloured with malice as he looked at Judy. 'You are as thick and as arrogant,-'

'Enough!' Lupin interjected. 'She is still your student, Severus.'

'I don't participate in favouritism, Lupin,' Snape retorted.

Judy looked around the room as the tension between the two men rose to the ceiling. She quickly spotted Dumbledore, observing the exchange from behind a pillar, his half-moon spectacles perched on his crooked nose.

'Why do you hate us so much?' said Judy suddenly, as she walked around Lupin. 'What have we ever done to you?'

'Judy…' Lupin held her back as she wanted to approach her Potions master.

'Hate you?' Snape arched a brow at her. 'You don't know anything about hate, Ms. Black,-' Lupin quickly pulled her back as Snape approached them.

'I'm sorry I'm late,' said Dumbledore, finally stepping in. 'Oh, you're still here, Severus? Sorry to keep you waiting, but you can leave.'

Snape looked confused for a moment. 'Sir, I thought we,-'

'We're done, Severus. Oh, and I trust you will use the name Byrne in the future? Goodbye.' Dumbledore said in his usual warm voice. Snape nodded curtly. He cast a hard glance at both Judy and Lupin before briskly walking past them and closing the thick wooden door.

'You told him?!' said Lupin, not withholding his astonishment and anger.

'He had to know, Remus,' said Dumbledore dismissively as he approached Judy. He took her hands in his. 'I'm very glad to see you. You look well,' he said warmly. 'Please, have a seat.'

'Why?' said Lupin, still standing as Judy sat down opposite the Headmaster's seat. 'Why did he have to know? You know how he reacted when he found out who she was to me.' Judy looked at the exchange with interest, realising she was witnessing something they'd apparently had tried to hide from her.

'Because we need him,-' Dumbledore suddenly fell silent, as if only now noticing Judy. 'But that's not why we are here,' he said, looking at Judy over his half-moon spectacles. Judy could sense Lupin moving behind her, but Dumbledore silenced him with a look before he had a chance to speak.

'Has Remus told you what I Saw?' asked Judy.

'He has,' said Dumbledore sitting down in front of her and folding his hands. 'But I still have a few questions I think only you can answer.'

'Of course, Professor.'

'Firstly, are you certain that you saw what you saw? I mean, are you certain it was a vision and not…'

'A figment of my imagination, brought on by the fever?' Judy finished. 'I am absolutely certain, sir.'

'How?' Dumbledore leaned forward attentively.

'Because it was as clear as crystal, sir. It wasn't incoherent, like a dream. I Saw everything, the whole evening,' she said, convinced.

'All right. Secondly, how do you know the Potters asked Pettigrew to be their Secret Keeper? How do you know they didn't change their mind?' he asked, his chin leaning on his folded hands.

'Lily understood,' said Judy, remembering the other witch's words to her father. 'Sirius didn't want to be their Secret Keeper, because he wanted to protect me. He couldn't risk my life, like…like he risked my mother's life.' Judy paused for a moment to still her emotions. She took Lupin's hand as he placed his on her shoulder. 'Lily understood that he wanted to protect me. She told him he was…he was a good father,' she said, emotion colouring her voice. 'She would never have asked him to reconsider.'

'She's right, Albus. Lily would never have asked Sirius to risk Judy's life,' said Remus truthfully.

'I believe her, Remus,' said Dumbledore in earnest. He leaned back against the high back of the chair, contemplating his next words. 'I have one more question to ask you.'

'Anything, sir.'

'Who brought you back?' he asked, as Judy's heart rose up into her throat.

'What do you mean, sir?' she asked, feigning confusement.

'I spoke to Mrs. Waters. She said she'd tried every Healing spell she knew,' Dumbledore explained. 'Magic did not save you, Judy.'

'Magic will never be able to save us,' Judy whispered.

'What did you say?' asked Lupin, taken aback.

'It's something my mum said to my dad, in one of my visions,' she looked from Dumbledore to Lupin. 'You think it was Sirius, don't you?'

'Was it?' asked Dumbledore interested.

'No,' said Judy truthfully, part of her wishing that it had been her father who saved her life.

'Then who?' asked Lupin confused. 'It must have been some one that cared for you very much.'

'I think it was you,' said Judy. 'All of you. Andromeda, Ted, Dora, you. You all sat by my side for days.'

'But nothing happened in those days,' said Lupin. Judy bit her lip as she looked at him, her mind racing on how to save herself and protect the man who really saved her.

'May be it happened gradually. May be you gave me a little energy every time you visited,' she said, thinking. 'I don't know how it exactly happens.' She said looking from one man to the other. 'But last time I was in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey sent me to my friends to recover. May be it was enough to have people around me that loved me.'

Dumbledore studied her for a while in silence. Judy looked back at him, using all the years of experience she had, when it came to lying. She could even feel Lupin's eyes, boring in her back as he slowly retreated his hand from her grasp. She knew they doubted her words, but she refused to tell them the truth. She knew that if she did, she'd never be allowed to see Charlie again. And for once in her life she didn't regret nor feel guilty about lying to the two wizards.

'All right,' Dumbledore finally spoke. 'I believe you.' He paused. 'And I will do everything in my power to help you.'

'You will?!' Judy turned around in her seat to look at Lupin, who obviously regretted he'd let those words slip.

'Of course I will, Remus,' said Dumbledore seriously. 'I believe she is telling the truth, and that means the Ministry has sentenced an innocent man to a fate worse than death.' Judy looked back at Dumbledore with a smile.

'How will you convince the Minister of Magic?' she asked interested.

'That will be my concern,' said Dumbledore, leaning forward again. 'I will take this task upon me, Judy. I will make sure that Sirius does not get the Dementor's kiss. But only if you promise me something.'

'Anything, sir,' she said, not believing her ears as her smile grew.

'I want you to let this go,' he said carefully. 'All of it. I can't allow you to risk your life anymore.'

'But, Professor,-'

'I'm serious, Judy,' Dumbledore said sternly. 'If I find out you put yourself in any more danger this year, I will not save him.' Judy looked at him for a few seconds, realising he was dead serious. 'Do you hear me? I will not save him.'

'I swear it,' said Judy, without thinking. 'I'll do anything you ask. Just, please…please save him.' She pleaded.

'I promise,' said Dumbledore, eyeing her over his half-moon spectacles. 'I will do everything in my power to save Sirius Black.' Judy couldn't do anything but stare at the old wizard opposite her. He cast her a small smile.

'Thank you,' she said hoarsely, her tears suddenly flowing, as she realised for the first time in 12 years, she did not stand alone. She'd finally found someone who believed her, who could and would help her save her father.

'You can thank me when I've succeeded,' he said. 'Now, if that is all.'

'Ehm, yes,' said Judy, surprised by the sudden end of their conversation.

'Good. I trust you can find your own way back to your dorm. Remus, I would like a word.'

'I can wait outside,-'

'No,' said Dumbledore sharply. 'Go to your dorm. There are still Aurors in the castle, made invisible by the Disillusionment charm. They shouldn't see the two of you together.' He explained. Judy looked in his eyes, wondering if she could see the lie in there. Dumbledore wanted to separate her from Lupin, but Aurors had nothing to do with his reasons why.

'It's all right, sweetheart,' said Lupin in a kinder tone. 'I'll see you soon enough, in class.'

Judy got up from her seat, gave Dumbledore a short nod and turned to Lupin. She walked up to him and kissed his cheek. 'Thank you for not letting me do this alone.' He kissed her forehead.

'Go to your dorm, sweetheart. Try and get some more rest.' He said, quickly forgetting her as he turned his eyes to Dumbledore.

Judy took the hint and left the room, taking her time to close the thick wooden door.

'Have a seat, Remus,' said Dumbledore kindly.

'I'd rather stand,' he said coldly, as Judy pulled the door close behind her. She couldn't resist pressing her ear against the door.

'Ahum,' Judy startled at the high pitched voice. Professor Flitwick looked at her reproachfully.

'Professor…' said Judy, at a loss for words.

'Professor Dumbledore has asked me to walk you to your dorm,' he answered the unasked question. 'I've already sent your trunk ahead of us.' He took a step to the side. 'After you, Ms. Byrne.'

Judy descended the spiral staircase without a word. Professor Flitwick followed in her wake and took the lead as they headed down the corridor.

The sun still had not reached its highest point, Judy noticed as she looked out of the windows they passed. She guessed it was eleven in the morning, meaning most of the students would be in the grounds or in their dorm, enjoying their home-work free Saturday morning.

'Now, as I understand it,' Professor Flitwick suddenly spoke as they reached the marble staircase. 'You sent several homework assignments in by owl, during the holidays.'

'Yes, sir. I decided to work ahead, in case…'

'In case you suddenly needed to be admitted to St. Mungo's?' asked Professor Flitwick, casting her a glance over his shoulder.

'Professor,-'

'All I need to know, Byrne, is that you are not far behind in your courses. In fact, there's only one subject you will need to hand in an extra assignment for.'

'Let me guess,' Judy said. 'Potions?'

'I'm afraid so, yes. The other teachers have been very kind to overlook the classes you missed since the holidays. But Professor Snape requires some extra effort on your part.' He handed her a piece of parchment.

'Wolfsbane potion,' Judy sighed. 'Professor, we've covered this subject earlier this year.'

'Then you can use your earlier essay and update it with new information,' Professor Flitwick explained as they reached the entrance to Ravenclaw Tower. The enchanted doorknob opened its beak.

'Which spell makes objects fly?'

'That's not a difficult question at all. Wingardium Leviosa.' answered Professor Flitwick. He stepped aside as the door swung open. 'I trust you'll hand in the assignment before the end of next week.'

'Of course, Professor,' said Judy quickly.

'Enjoy the rest of your weekend,' he squeaked, before turning on his heel and walking out of sight.

Judy entered the common room, clutching Snape's homework assignment in her hand. It was unexpectedly quiet as Judy walked into the room; apparently most students had chosen to enjoy the sunny weather instead of staying in the confinements of the castle. In fact, only two familiar faces had decided to stay behind.

'There she is…' Aidan cast her a grin as he looked up from his game of wizard's chess. 'Did you mix up your Easter and summer holiday?' he asked amused.

'How are you feeling?' Connor asked seriously, as he looked up from the other end of the board.

'Good, actually,' said Judy truthfully. 'How much….'

'Willow told us everything,' Connor answered the unasked question. 'We really don't care if you're a Seer, Jude,' he said reassuringly.

'Thank you,' she said, relieved.

'Oh, can you tell me who's going to win the Quidditch World Cup next year?' Aidan asked eagerly.

'That would be cheating, Aidan,' said Judy, impersonating Professor McGonagall's voice.

'Which is exactly how I passed my OWL's….' he said as he moved a piece on the board. 'Check.'

'What?!' Connor turned sharply around. 'How did you…?'

'I'm going to take a nap,' said Judy walking to the stairs. 'Good luck, Connor.'

'You look good, Jude,' Aidan called over his shoulder.

'I'm not going to tell you who wins the Quidditch World Cup…' she called back, smiling as she ascended the spiralling stairs.

She walked inside the dorm, still wearing a smile on her face as her eyes suddenly locked with familiar brown ones. Willow cast Judy a small smile as she sat on her bed.

'How are you feeling?' she asked gently, as Judy's eyes lowered to the sketchbook on Willow's lap. Despite the distance between them she recognized the drawing immediately.

Judy grabbed her wand and cast a wordless Muffliato spell at the door behind her. 'What are you doing?!' she asked, her voice filled with panic.

'I couldn't take it anymore, Jude,' said Willow apologetically. 'I had to know why. I had to understand why you put yourself through this, knowing…'

'What do you mean, why I put myself through this? Your mum didn't know,-'

'No, she didn't. But why else would you have reached out to us, just before the holidays? You needed us,' she continued. 'Just like you did last time. You needed us to help you recover. That's why you were so desperate to have us forgive you.'

'You had no right…' Judy said, overtaken by emotion.

'Well, then we're even,' Willow retorted. 'You're right. I had no right to go through your things, but you had no right to keep me in the dark while you, my best friend, was wasting away…'

'I never meant to put you through anything…but I…I'm the only one who believes in him. The only one who can prove his innocence,' said Judy, now in tears. 'I couldn't risk you stopping me from doing this, because then…'

'You wouldn't be able to save his soul,' said Willow, in understanding. 'Why have you never…I mean, we've known each other for six years….'

'What was I supposed to tell you? That I have father locked up in Azkaban, because he betrayed his best friends and killed thirteen people?' Judy asked, as she crossed the distance between them. 'I didn't think you'd understand.'

'May be I wouldn't have, before….and I suppose my father being an Auror doesn't help much either…' said Willow, thinking.

'You might have told him,' said Judy in earnest. 'And I would have understood if you did. I'm sorry, Will. I just couldn't risk it. Not for his safety, but my own either. Do you know what the Ministry would do if they found out he had a daughter?'

'Capture you and blackmail him into turning himself in,' said Willow immediately. 'I think that's what my father would do.'

'Are you….are you going to…'

'Tell him?!' asked Willow taken aback. 'Hey, I might be cross with you, but I didn't turn into Odelia overnight! I could never be that cruel to you, no matter what happened between us.'

'Thanks, Will,' said Judy as she sat down beside her on the bed.

'So tell me, have you told anyone about him?' she asked, looking at the drawing of Sirius Black in his younger years.

'Well, Remus knows of course. A few of my relatives, and Dumbledore,' she said. 'Oh, and I told Fred before the holidays…it was the only way I could persuade him to help me.'

'I'm glad you didn't have to keep this secret all on your own,' said Willow kindly. 'I can't imagine what it must have been like for you…keeping this from your friends.'

'I think you can,' said Judy guiltily, thinking about what she'd put Willow through in the past year. 'I meant what I said, before the holidays. I really am sorry about…everything.'

'I know you are,' said Willow, looking up from the drawing. 'I just don't like how you waited to tell me the truth, until the moment you needed something from me.'

'You're right, that was selfish of me,' admitted Judy. 'I didn't realise it, until I came back. But I…I used you. All of you.'

'Yes, you did,' said Willow, without hesitation. 'Even when you told Fred the truth, it was only so he would help you.' Judy looked away, not able to meet her friend's eyes. 'I know you thought you were doing the right thing, but you really weren't.'

'I only wanted to save him,' said Judy apologetically.

'No matter what the cost,' Willow finished, her red hair hiding her face from view as she looked back at the drawing. 'You risked everything, Jude. Not just your life, but ours as well. What if you had died? What about Fred and George? What about Remus? What about Charlie?' Judy took the red coral in between her fingers. 'He saved you, didn't he?' asked Willow, as she noticed the necklace.

'How do you know?' askd Judy confused.

'Mum said it must have been someone that cared for you very much,' she said.

'Tonks went to see him. She told him everything…' she smiled. 'He saved my life, Will.'

'Of course he did,' she said amused. 'He's head over heels with you!'

Judy laughed. 'You don't even know him.'

'Trust me, the way he asked you to be his girlfriend…he's smitten with you, Jude.' Willow looked back at the drawing. 'You know, I wouldn't be surprised if he loves you as much as you love your dad. Is he as cute as your dad?'

'Will!'

'What? He's gorgeous, Jude. Those long dark locks, that stubble, those amazing eyes…' She said dreamily.

'He's my dad,' Judy retorted. 'You'll forgive me for not swooning over him.' She took the drawing from her friend and leaned against the headboard as she looked at it.

'So, how are you going to do it?' asked Willow interested, as she leaned against the headboard as well.

'Do what?' asked Judy, not taking her eyes off her father.

'Save him,' said Willow, meeting Judy's eyes as she turned. 'You didn't risk your life to just let it go, did you?'

'Actually, I did,' said Judy, smiling as she saw the confusion in her friend's face. 'I just told Dumbledore everything and he promised he would save Sirius from the Dementor's kiss.'

'Really?! How?'

'I have no idea,' said Judy truthfully. 'But it's Dumbledore…I'm sure he'll find a way. He only had one condition.'

'What was it?' asked Willow interested.

'That I would let it go. That I wouldn't summon a vision or do anything else to risk my life,' said Judy. 'If I do then he won't save him.'

'Can you?' asked Willow carefully. 'Can you let it go?'

'Dumbledore can do more for him than I can,' Judy replied, caressing young Sirius' cheek. 'I don't have a choice.'

'So, I guess that means no more lies?' Willow asked carefully.

'No more lies,' Judy promised with a small smile. 'Do you think you can ever forgive me?'

'I already did, remember? But like I said before, I can't forget it,' said Willow truthfully.

'I think it's better if you don't,' said Judy, thinking. 'And I know things won't be the same ever again, but,- '

'Oh, I don't know, Jude. In time, they might,' Willow said hopefully as Judy looked sideways.

'You talked to your mum, didn't you?' she asked with a smile.

'I think she used the same speech on both of us.' Willow looked up as the door creaked. Judy followed her gaze and noticed Duncan strutting up to them, a dead mouse dangling from his mouth.

Judy smiled as Willow yelped. 'Jude!'

'I'll take care of it,' the black haired witch smiled she sat up on the bed. She only hoped the rest of her school life would turn back to normal so quickly.